Pride & Prejudice Book Club Podcast

For Emilie, one of the biggest "perks" of hosting this podcast is getting to talk with authors who love these characters as much as she does ❤️ And Julie Cooper is no exception!

 

From "Tempt Me" to "Nameless" to "A Stronger Impulse," Julie has explored some truly imaginative corners of the Pride and Prejudice universe. In this episode, Emilie and Julie talk about where her plot ideas come from and how she strives to keep Elizabeth Bennet unmistakably herself, even when the circumstances around her change dramatically.

 

We also discuss her writing process (including her seemingly endless plot bunny document), her commitment to happily-ever-after endings, the unofficial rules she follows when writing Darcy and Elizabeth, and why Pride and Prejudice variations can feel like such a comforting place to land when the real world gets complicated.

 

And be warned: this episode definitely contains plot bunnies!

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🎵 Music Credit:
Pride & Prejudice Book Club Theme composed, performed, and arranged by Megan Mason.

📚 See a list of books we've read at prideandprejudicebookclub.com!

➡️ Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, or sign up for our newsletter at https://www.prideandprejudicebookclub.com/newsletter!

Do you remember your first Pride & Prejudice variation? 

This week on the Pride and Prejudice Book Club, we revisit one of Sharon's first loves (and a longtime favorite from her Scholastic Book Fair days): Prom & Prejudice by Elizabeth Eulberg.

As Emilie reads the book for the first time, we talk about how the scholarship storyline replaces Regency class divisions, how the Lydia/Wickham plot translates into a teenage setting, and why giving Elizabeth real musical brilliance adds an especially satisfying modern dimension to her character. We also examine the difference between reading the book when you're the target demo (aka, a teen) vs. reading it as a full-fledged adult. 

We can't help but share a few prom stories of our own, too!

Whether Prom & Prejudice was your first variation—or you’re discovering it for the first time with us—this episode is a fun look back at a nostalgic modern retelling and how our experience of Pride & Prejudice variations changes as we grow.

When Darcy and Elizabeth are kidnapped by highwaymen, danger, tension, and forced proximity follow.

But one question quickly takes over the episode: Is the highwayman Nate Morgan a romantic rogue… or a distraction from the real love story?

And more importantly, why does Sharon seem to have developed a small crush on him?

This week we’re discussing The Journey by Jan Hahn, a Pride and Prejudice variation that throws Darcy and Elizabeth into a perilous adventure when their carriage is stopped by highwaymen and they are taken captive…while pretending to be husband and wife. While “Elizabeth and Darcy against the world” is a favorite trope for both of us, we debate whether Darcy ends up taking a back seat in his own romance thanks to the highwayman having a little too much romantic chemistry with Elizabeth.

This story is a bit of a blast from the past for Emilie, who first read it early in her Pride and Prejudice variation journey. Returning to it more than a decade later (after reading hundreds of variations ) led to an interesting conversation about how our tastes evolve and how a story can feel very different the second time around.

Along the way we discuss our feelings about this particular “obstinate, headstrong” version of Elizabeth, the difference between possessive jealousy and introspective jealousy, and the enduring sexiness of emotional security in a relationship.

So join us as we revisit an early favorite, and debate the wisdom of letting a charming side character steal the hero’s spotlight.

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🎵 Music Credit: Pride & Prejudice Book Club Theme composed, performed, and arranged by Megan Mason.

📚 See a list of books we've read at prideandprejudicebookclub.com!

➡️ Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok, and sign up for our newsletter at https://www.prideandprejudicebookclub.com/newsletter!

🎙️Do you have thoughts on an episode that you can't wait to discuss? Geek out with Emilie by applying to be a mini podcast co-host! https://www.prideandprejudicebookclub.com/geek

A moment of passion. A meddling Mr. Collins. And suddenly Elizabeth Bennet finds herself engaged to Mr Darcy.

On the podcast this week we’re reading So Little Endeavor at Civility by Kate Beauford, a Pride and Prejudice variation that begins with scandal at Hunsford and an engagement Elizabeth never wanted. But instead of rushing to the altar, this story gives Elizabeth and Darcy something we don’t often see in forced-marriage stories: time to actually court, talk, and discover who the other person really is.

This Darcy might be one of our favorites ever. He communicates. He asks clarifying questions. He openly admits he’s in love with Elizabeth and never pretends otherwise. Watching Elizabeth slowly rethink everything she thought she knew about him makes for a deeply satisfying courtship, and we had a lot to say about the moments that made this Darcy shine.

We loved watching Elizabeth gradually soften toward him. We also dive into favorite scenes, memorable quotes, and the beautiful moments between Elizabeth and Darcy that made this story especially satisfying.

If you're a fan of Unequal Affections, this is definitely a variation you'll want to add to your reading list!

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🎵 Music Credit: Pride & Prejudice Book Club Theme composed, performed, and arranged by Megan Mason.

📚 See a list of books we've read at prideandprejudicebookclub.com!

➡️ Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok, and sign up for our newsletter at https://www.prideandprejudicebookclub.com/newsletter!

Have you ever listened to an episode, and wished we would discuss something...but we didn't?  Or did something we say spark a thought, and you wish you had someone to tell it to? Now is your chance!

We’re inviting listeners to apply for a chance to record a short mini-episode with Emilie and share their thoughts as part of a “second chance book-mance” discussion. If there’s a book we’ve already discussed that you absolutely adore (or have strong opinions about!), this is your chance to bring it back into the spotlight.

We may also be open to discussing a new variation we haven’t covered yet, though it may take a bit longer to schedule since we’ll need to fit it into our reading lineup.

If selected, you’ll receive an email to schedule a quick test conversation so we can get to know each other a bit.

To apply to be a mini-episode co-host, go to https://prideandprejudicebookclub.com/geek

We'll talk at you later!